Keith Gurley, Ed.D., associate professorKeith Gurley, Ed.D., associate professor in the Department of Human Studies, researches school leadership, specifically the role of assistant principals, and is known in his department for providing effective classroom instruction, inspiring and mentoring students and using innovative teaching methods.
Gurley is the “heart of the instructional leadership program at UAB,” and that “he never lost sight of the connection between his teaching and learning,” one student wrote in a letter successfully nominating him for the 2019 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
His teaching and research interests include equipping aspiring school leaders with an understanding of the power of developing and maintaining strategic focus in schools to effect high levels of learning for all and the investigation of moral reasoning development as it relates to ethical educational leadership.
| “Dr. Gurley has not only inspired me to become a better student, but I have become a better person, teacher and leader for my own students because of his excellent ability to teach.” |
“Dr. Gurley has not only inspired me to become a better student, but I have become a better person, teacher and leader for my own students because of his excellent ability to teach,” said a new principal, who attributed her first-year success to his coaching and mentoring. His methods include challenging students “to develop innovative ideas and explain their thinking,” and he “ensures they are intellectually engaged in learning relevant and challenging content.”
Gurley also recognizes that scholarship translates into better classroom practices. He has published articles in journals such as School Leadership and Management and Journal of Educational Change and helps shepherd students through the journal article submission process.
“I know other students who have taken courses with Dr. Gurley and have asked him to participate on their committees,” said one student on whose dissertation committee he served. “Everyone seems to have had the same experience, describing him as a caring teacher who is passionate about education and committed to helping his students succeed.”
A colleague who has co-authored publications with him said, “Dr. Gurley is committed to student success both in and out of the classroom and consistently goes above and beyond to engage students and peers in lifelong learning and professional development. I personally consider myself to be a better writer and more holistic learner due to my frequent interactions with Dr. Gurley.”
